HopeFull Gifts for Cancer Patients!

HopeFull So Far Last year I delivered 46 comfort bags full of wonderful and useful items to women going through chemo for the first time.  It was a huge success and guess what?  I'm doing it again!  My goal is to share even more bags this year to women at several hospitals this time.  Please see the updates to this campaign for actual quotes from women who received these bags.  It's pretty special, and my heart is full.  Here's a photo of one recipient who took the time to even take a picture!  Please give from your heart, knowing you are making a tangible difference at a difficult time in someone's life.  You can give money, or directly purchase items (http://a.co/fKAwAgz) that will be delivered directly to me, or share, share, share.  I know not everyone has money to give, but everyone has someone they can share this with.  Be creative!  There is one awesome lady (check out The Arbitrary Moose on Etsy) that even donates a portion of the feather mugs she sells to this campaign.  Please continue reading for the history behind this fundraiser.  My Story Currently, I am a one-year survivor.  On February 4th, 2017, I found out I had breast cancer.  Invasive ductal carcinoma.  Triple negative.  As there are currently no targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer, I needed to undergo 16 weeks of chemotherapy as well as surgery and radiation.  It was a long, difficult road, but the love and support of my friends and family kept me afloat.  They called, they messaged, and there was a steady stream of gifts along the way.  I felt the hope they put forward.  I was encouraged by their love.  I don't know how I would have made it through as well as I did without them.  I believe this hope and love contributed to my healing, truly.   My Hope I wish for everyone who has to undergo chemotherapy to have the kind of generous support that I received.  On the day I started chemo I received several lovely care packages from people.  These were instrumental in giving me the strength, hope and support I needed to begin such a daunting road.  They were full of practical and encouraging items.  Things I never would have thought of.  Once my treatments were over, I found myself thinking of others who have cancer and the long roads ahead of them.  What if everyone had a lovely care package to take home with them? I want everyone to have this kind of gift.  That first day of chemo is tough - it's scary, it's unpleasant, it's exhausting.  The need for life and hope that first day is important. My Plan I want to provide as many women as possible with a tote bag full of goodies to take home with them on the first day of chemo.  I've set a goal of $5,000, but whatever funds are raised will go directly toward the fulfillment of these tote bags.  Whether it's $50 or $500,000 raised, there will always be people in need and I am ready to do my part to make someone's life just a little bit brighter.....with your help. Last year I gave the HopeFull bags to the Rena Rowan Breast Center at Penn, but this year I plan to deliver to at least two additional hospitals, looking for those that might be most in need of this kind of gift. How YOU Can Help You can donate as much or as little as you like.  Every penny will go towards filling these bags.  I intend to keep this project alive for as long as possible.  Who knows, maybe this could extend to ALL first time chemo patients, not just those with breast cancer.  Wouldn't that be wonderful? Each bag costs approximately $40.  Donate on this site OR I've also created an Amazon wishlist of items I'd like to include.  Here's the link: http://a.co/fKAwAgz  The list is called HopeFull.  Purchase the items that speak to you and they'll be shipped directly to me! Again, all items and money will be used to purchase and fill tote bags.  What's in the tote bag? Water bottle (hydration is so important) Journal book (thoughts on paper help process the experience) List pad (to remember everything) Pen (a new pen is special) Puzzle book (keep that brain engaged) Granola bars (good energy food) Pillowcase (satin feels good on a bald head) Book of inspiration (one quote can carry you through the day) Sleep cap (for easy wearing around the house) Inspirational stone (to carry in a pocket) Purell (because hospitals are germ-y) Hand lotion (dry skin happens with chemo) Lip balm (protect those lips) Warm socks (just in case it's cold) Tea (so soothing) Ginger candy (for nausea or just for yumminess) Playing cards (something to do during long chemo days) Lavender oil (for relaxation) Coloring book and pencils (it's amazing how much this helps to pass the time and relax) I will also be including information about resources that the hospital provides for cancer patients.  I also intend to solicit donations of gift cards from local businesses to include in the bags.   Thank You Thank you in advance for what you can do to help.  Every little bit helps.  Every lotta bit helps.  If you are unable to donate, share this page with friends, family, anyone and everyone.  The gratitude I already feel from people like you are what keeps me hopeful.  I will keep you posted on the progress! THANK YOU!